TAMPA, Fla., & NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Freedom Health and Optimum HealthCare today announced they have partnered with well-being improvement leader Healthways (NASDAQ: HWAY) to offer the award-winning SilverSneakers® Fitness Program to eligible Medicare Advantage members through 2016. SilverSneakers is the nation’s leading exercise program designed exclusively for older adults, which has proven to reduce healthcare costs and improve physical, cognitive and social well-being among its members.
Beginning January 1, 2014, SilverSneakers will be available to eligible Medicare Advantage members of Freedom Health and Optimum HealthCare plans in Florida.
“Freedom Health and Optimum HealthCare are owned and operated by doctors and focused on preventative care, which is why we have decided to partner with Healthways and SilverSneakers to provide our members with the nation’s leading fitness program for older adults,” said Joseph Vessio, Vice President of Sales, Freedom Health and Optimum HealthCare.
Using proven methodologies based upon more than 20 years of science and outcomes, the SilverSneakers Fitness Program increases physical activity in older adults, resulting in higher well-being and lower healthcare costs. Physical activity can reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases, may relieve symptoms of depression, helps to maintain independent living and enhances overall quality of life.
A 2012 report by the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics recommends strength training as part of a comprehensive physical activity program among older adults and suggests it may help to improve balance and decrease risk of falls. SilverSneakers engages participants in more frequent strength training, aerobic and flexibility exercise through access to a variety of venues and programming designed specifically for older adults and incorporating social experiences.
“By offering SilverSneakers, Freedom Health and Optimum HealthCare are fulfilling the needs of their eligible older-adult Medicare Advantage members by promoting wellness, embracing innovation and pursuing excellence in the delivery of healthcare,” said Ben R. Leedle, Jr., Healthways President and Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to partnering with Freedom Health and Optimum HealthCare in providing this time-tested, proven program to their members and helping them realize higher well-being and greater quality of life.”
The SilverSneakers Fitness Program was founded in 1992 and serves more than 10 million eligible members. The Healthways fitness center network offers convenient access to more than 15,000 participating fitness and wellness facilities nationwide.
About Freedom Health and Optimum HealthCare
Freedom Health and Optimum HealthCare are Medicare Advantage HMO Plans with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Florida Medicaid program. Together, Freedom and Optimum service over 92,000 members. With headquarters located in Tampa, Florida, the company believes in community based service and provides concierge centers at the local level throughout Florida. Freedom and Optimum are both NCQA accredited and each plan received a “Commendable” rating and was awarded a three-year accreditation. Learn more at www.freedomhealth.com or www.youroptimumhealthcare.com.
About Healthways
Healthways (NASDAQ: HWAY) is the largest independent global provider of well-being improvement solutions. Dedicated to creating a healthier world one person at a time, the Company uses the science of behavior change to produce and measure positive change in well-being for our customers, which include employers, integrated health systems, hospitals, physicians, health plans, communities and government entities. We provide highly specific and personalized support for each individual and their team of experts to optimize each participant’s health and productivity and to reduce health-related costs. Results are achieved by addressing longitudinal health risks and care needs of everyone in a given population. The Company has scaled its proprietary technology infrastructure and delivery capabilities developed over 30 years and now serves approximately 45 million people on four continents. Learn more at www.silversneakers.com or www.healthways.com.
